Minister of Employment and Labor An Kyung-duk: "'Rider N-jobbers' Also Protected by Law"

On-site Visit to Baedal Minjok Gangnam Center on the 16th

Minister of Employment and Labor An Kyung-duk is touring the maintenance room of Baemin Riders Southern Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul on the 16th. On this day, Minister An said, "Once the Platform Workers Protection Act is legislated in the future, all platform workers, including full-time delivery drivers and 'Baemin Connectors' who work part-time, will be institutionally protected." / Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] As the 'gig economy,' characterized by an increase in short-term contract employment, spreads globally, the government announced plans to legally protect not only full-time delivery workers but also platform workers engaged in side jobs. This is to properly establish a system that protects the growing number of people holding multiple jobs, known as 'N-jablers.'

On the 16th, An Kyung-duk, Minister of Employment and Labor, visited the Baemin Riders Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, operated by Woowa Brothers, which runs the food delivery application Baedal Minjok, and stated, "Not only full-time delivery workers but also platform workers working part-time will be able to receive institutional protection." He added, "Recently, a 'Platform Workers Protection and Support Act' was proposed in the National Assembly, and there are many discussions within the government as well."

The visit was arranged to directly understand the current operation status of the delivery platform on-site and to hear the voices of companies and workers. Minister An emphasized, "For the platform industry to develop sustainably and healthily, the basic rights and interests of workers must be protected," and added, "We will review necessary support policies together with related ministries to help the platform industry take a step forward."

Woowa Youngsters is a company that supports full-time delivery workers and Baemin Connectors working part-time in subscribing to industrial accident insurance. They have established the Woowa Rider Care Fund to provide medical and living expenses support to delivery workers outside of Baemin who face financial difficulties due to safety accidents.